Christian Fiction – Page 18

Pine Creek Marriage + Giveaway

Love may blossom where it’s least expected in the delightful and heartwarming Pine Creek series from Amity Hope.

Widow Amelia Baumann has sworn to never love again. She’s content to live peacefully in Pine Creek at her friend Mary’s warm, comfortable farmhouse. But then Samuel Kurtz shows up and becomes Mary’s permanent guest, making it hard to keep her feelings in check. Especially after Samuel’s six-year-old niece, Ruthie, whom he’s been raising as his own daughter, completely steals her heart.

When the bishops from another district threaten to send Ruthie to live with her distant aunt, so that she’ll have two parents raising her instead of just Samuel, he hatches a plan.

Amelia reluctantly agrees to a marriage of convenience with Samuel–only because she loves Ruthie and can’t bear to see her torn from the only father she’s ever known. Not because Samuel’s kind green eyes and charming laugh draw her in. And as long as she and Samuel are in agreement that they will simply remain friends…what could possibly go wrong?

My Review:

published in 2022

New-to-me Amish Fiction author and I am so excited to have ‘discovered’ Amity Hope. Love her storytelling style and the way she writes the Amish community and family relationships. Everything isn’t perfect and sweet all the time but folks work their way through.

Amelia and Samuel’s love story makes for an absorbing read with just enough misunderstandings to keep things interesting – the first one being the meet-cute. Such a funny introduction to them as a couple. Feisty Amelia gobsmacks Samuel into a stupefied state. Bwahahaha! It takes them awhile to get over that introduction for sure and for certain. 🙂

Loved the time the author took developing their relationship. We really get to know them both as well as Samuel’s adorable niece. And along the way there’s lovely tidbits of Amish home life and friendships and the general workings of the community.

Funny and tender and faith-filled. A charming Amish Romance.

Of note: this is the the second book in the Pine Creek series but reads wunderbaar goot as a standalone. I’m excited to read the first and third books now and, happily, my library has both so — yay — I’ll be reading them soon.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Pine Creek Marriage, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 26 2025.

The Color of Sky and Stone + Giveaway

random retro read

She is the only one who truly sees him.Which makes her his greatest threat.

Black ops undercover agent Tane Temauri—code name Vapor—has made it his life’s mission to stay out of sight. Given the dangers inherent in his job, the last thing he can afford is to step into the open and become a target. Again.

Then a letter from a mysterious stranger changes everything. Although the letter was not meant for him, somehow, on a greater, cosmic scale, it feels as though it is.

But answering it will make Tane vulnerable.

How can he emerge from the shadows to risk everything for a woman he has never met?

My Review:

published in 2023

Totally not what I expected but I loved it anyway! Not quite a suspense but it sort of is. Definitely a romance….but not totally. Not fully epistolary but there are letter writing elements. Bwahaha — kinda undefinable.

What is definable: excellent writing, deep characterization, faith-infused page-turning perfection. Oh – and Canadian author as well as a Canadian setting!

Our introduction to Tane comes in the form of a tense, action-packed scene that had me on the edge of my seat and trying to figure out how Lia was going to be drawn into his sphere. But the book starts off from Lia’s POV in a random pub with vague hints as to her involvement with a ‘team’ that about drove me crazy because we don’t figure out what she actually does for a living until well into the book. Gah, the suspense was deliciously frustrating and I had so many crazy scenarios racing through my mind!

And that’s about all I can tell you without posting spoilers. Other than Lia and Tane connect in an unexpected way and….the story evolves. I was totally engrossed all the way through and have done a deep dive on the internet trying to figure out if there’s a second book because the ending isn’t exactly all tied up in a bow but not quite a cliffhanger either. Just gives me the impression that there must be more to come.

The cover says “In the Shadows : Book One” but ‘The Color of Sky and Stone’ is listed as a standalone on the author’s website. Ack! I need more Tane and Lia!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Shall I Stay, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 26 2025.

Deadly Badlands Pursuit + Giveaway

A K-9 team has a witness to defend…and a murderer to track.

When Deputy US Marshal Gracie Fitzpatrick checks on a government witness, she unexpectedly walks into an ambush at Cameron Holmes’s ranch. She and her K-9 partner, Bane, fight off the assailant—but to protect Cameron, they must escape into South Dakota’s treacherous Badlands. Tracking dangerous enemies is what Gracie does, and Cameron’s life in witness protection has left targets on his back. With a killer waiting in the shadows, Gracie and Cameron must work fast to uncover the truth about who wants him dead…if they want to stay alive.

My Review:

A heart-in-throat page turner from the get go. Stover has an incredible gift of mixing intensity with humour which adds a unique zest to this romantic suspense. And Gracie’s sassy sarcasm and indefatigable spirit brings an upbeat vibe to even the direst situations.

She arrives at Cameron’s ranch for a routine wellness check and winds up with way more than she bargained for. Fighting off an unknown assailant and trying to gain the confidence of a surly and understandable, wary government witness is the ‘perfect’ way to end a long day. And things are only about to get a whole lot worse.

Loved the way the relationship develops in the midst of relentless danger. Both Gracie and Cameron have pasts that make it hard for them to trust easily which brings a bit of suspense into their romance. Will they or won’t they? How can they possibly with a future that only seems to hold uncertainties? Loved the twists and turns and the way the author wrapped things up by the end.

Goodness, I haven’t even mentioned Bane yet. Belgian Malinois and dedicated K-9 officer, there’s nothing Bane can’t track and he’s not bad to have in your corner during a fight either!

This is the second book in the Dakota K-9 Unit multi-authored continuity series but can easily be read as a standalone. There’s some great interaction with her team and now I’m excited to get to know each of them better when they have a chance to star in their own stories.

I listened to the audio edition narrated by Mac Fowler who did a wonderful job bringing distinctive voices (and attitude) to every character. The ease she brings to her performance makes for a comfortable and satisfying listen.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Deadly Badlands Pursuit, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 26 2025.

Behind the Light of Golowduyn + Giveaway

Random Retro Read

She’s the keeper of Golowduyn Lighthouse. He’s the captain who shipwrecked on her watch. A marriage of convenience can save her home—if secrets don’t destroy it first.

Abigail Moore will do anything to keep Golowduyn Lighthouse shining brightly, even if she must do so alone. When a shipwreck occurs near her home one stormy evening—bringing with it a dashing captain keen to offer his aid at every turn—her days of isolation vanish.

Captain Gavin Kendricks didn’t expect to end his naval career by crashing his ship against the rugged cliffs of Cornwall. When he’s pulled from the sea by the fearless and quick-tempered Miss Moore, a tentative friendship forms between them, and he begins to realize what has been missing from his life.

Before either of them can explore these newfound stirrings, death and deception hit Golowduyn, and Abigail is left with a choice. Either she loses everything she has ever loved, or she marries the captain and accepts his help. Unable to give up the lighthouse, she agrees to the union, and they work together to see that the light does not diminish. But when her childhood secrets are unearthed, and their property falls victim to troubling defacement, their marriage threatens to crumble. Gavin fights to gain her confidence, but only Abigail can forget the crippling memories of her past to trust Gavin with Golowduyn—and her heart.

My Review:

published in 2019

Happy sigh. Full on swoon after swoon after swoon. I’m still a tad lightheaded and my heart is all aflutter. Regency. Lighthouse on the Cornish coast. Marriage of Convenience. Dashing war hero. Spunky heroine. I mean….could a reader ask for anything more? Just extraordinary storytelling and engaging characters along with artfully executed plot twists. Such an incredible read!

‘Behind the Light of Golowduyn’ (and I listened to the audio book so I know how to pronounce that!) is a captivating read. Emotionally satisfying with some high stakes drama and a moving theme of forgiveness that elevates the story even more.

I thoroughly enjoyed Vicki-Jo Eva’s narration. She entertained me with her varied accents from Cornish dialect to High Society enunciation. Brilliant at capturing distinctive characters and all the emotionally charged scenes as well. Definitely recommend the audio edition of ‘Behind the Light of Golowduyn’ to discerning listeners (plus you’ll learn how to pronounce Golowduyn!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Behind the Light of Golowduyn, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 26 2025.

Trail of Threats

An arsonist at large…a K-9 team in the line of fire.

Single mom Sadie Owens’s fear of being watched is confirmed when her home is set ablaze—while she and her son are trapped inside. Officer Rocco Manelli and his arson dog arrive in the nick of time to make a rescue. But as attacks persist, it’s up to Rocco to keep Sadie and her three-year-old safe from a criminal with a lethal agenda. Can he keep a vengeful arsonist from scorching a deadly path through Elk Valley—before Sadie and her son become the next victims?

My Review:

The sixth book in ‘Mountain County K-9 Unit’ continuity series published in August 2024. The audio books are just releasing now.

So enjoyed Courtney Patterson’s animated narration of ‘Trail of Threats.’ The writing is phenomenal as is, but Patterson’s interpretation of these characters amplified my reading pleasure all the more. Love that so many more Love Inspired novels are being made available in this format!

Breath-snatching suspense with the kind of drawn out tension that keeps a reader on her toes right to the very end. The heart-in-throat gripping opening scene sets the stage for compelling creepy-ish suspense that gave me all the nervy feels (in a good way!)

I just read the fifth book in this series a few weeks ago where Rocco played a significant secondary role so it was fun to get his complete story here. Having said that, this works wonderfully well as a standalone novel as well.

Rocco’s connection to Sadie, and the way their relationship plays out is so believable and full of emotion… and quite a few laughs courtesy of sassy Sadie. Not to mention some flirty banter. Ohhhh, and don’t get me started on the toe-curling scenes artfully interspersed throughout! A fantastic blend of romance and suspense where both keep you on the edge all the way through.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

The Marriage Pact + Giveaway

Perry and Daisy’s fake relationship is fooling everyone . . . but they’re the ones who might be getting fooled.

When Daisy Hershberger and Perry Bontrager meet, they discover they have one thing in both their families are way too eager to see them matched with the person of their dreams. Daisy is convinced that Maynard is the one for her, but her parents have their doubts. And Perry? His family wonders if there’s anyone out there for a quirky guy like him. He’s also certain that some people–himself included–are destined to be single for life.

After comparing notes, Perry and Daisy agree to a pact. He’ll help her make Maynard realize what he’s missing, and she’ll pretend to be Perry’s love interest to keep his matchmaking mother satisfied. For a while, their pact seems to be working.

Maybe their imagined futures aren’t exactly what fairy tales are made of, but they’re committed to their plan . . . until they realize that a real-life fairy tale is happening where they least expect it. Sometimes, you don’t have to pretend to be anything but yourself in order for love to find you.

The final book in the Amish of Marigold series is a heartwarming, cozy inspirational romance featuring a pretend relationship and plenty of small-town charm. A perfect read for fans of Beverly Lewis and Suzanne Woods Fisher.

My Review:

Take an introverted Amish bachelor with an unusual hobby, add an extroverted Amish woman confused about love and you have the makings for a charming love story full of hope and laughter. Especially when you take into consideration the out-of-the-norm matchmaker working behind the scenes. Or trying to.

The first chapter features ten meddling brothers needling the lone bachelor in their midst — all kinds of cute and funny. But Perry’s just fine with his marital status (or lack thereof) thank you very much. He has a business to run and an absorbing hobby to occupy his spare time. What more could a fella want? Or so he thinks until ‘Daisy from Dover’ arrives on the scene.

The way their inauspicious meet-cute evolves into a fake dating scenario makes for an entertaining read. Of course their ruse backfires when real feelings become involved and it gets messy and a wee bit angsty before everything is all sorted, much to my bookish delight!

A classic Amish romance told in Kathleen Fuller’s engaging storytelling style, enhanced for me by Laura Berst’s winning narration. She’s a familiar voice in my Amish fiction listening and I enjoy the energy she brings through her performances.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Marriage Pact, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 19 2025.

Earning the Veteran’s Trust + Giveaway

A second chance at love could be what she needs to finally heal.

After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted?

My Review:

An incredible love story full of all kinds of second chances. Not only in the romance, but for the farm, the dogs and embracing new life after the chaos and trauma of military service. Such an impactful story on so many levels.

Yes, ‘Earning the Veteran’s Trust’ features one of my least favourite tropes – secret baby – but Jordan handles it well, making me sympathetic for both Mallory and Jonah and I appreciate the way they handle the situation going forward. And I do enjoy a redemptive love story!

Jonah is very much like the prodigal son. He approaches his fractured marriage with an air of humility and repentance which immediately softened my heart. Not so Mallory. She is so prickly at the beginning that I wanted to shake some sense into her a time or two, but really she has her reasons. Loved watching the way their relationship slowly rekindled as she embraced the power of forgiveness and learned to trust all over again.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition, narrated by Alyx Morgan. She brings life to the story with a variety of voices that match each character and made my listening experience a delight.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Earning the Veteran’s Trust, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 19 2025.

Montana Abduction Rescue

Kidnappers out for vengeance. Can a K-9 team stop them?

Following the death of a crime boss he put behind bars, Ian Carpenter leaves witness protection—and runs right into an ambush. To escape assailants bent on revenge, he turns to his former handler, US marshal Meadow Ames, and her K-9 partner. But the stakes grow higher when Ian’s cousin is abducted. With threats closing in, can they rescue a kidnapped teen…and stop the criminals for good?

My Review:

This is the fifth book in the Love Inspired ‘Mountain K-9 Unit’ multi-authored series published in July 2024. It has recently been made available in audio format much to my delight. Even though this is the fifth book, it reads well as a standalone. While there is a romantic suspense plot unique to this story, there is also an over-arcing investigation that plays out through all the books. All the authors do a great job of catching readers up on the secondary suspense plot without detracting from the primary one.

Jodie Bailey knows how to build suspense through a delectably taut plot line full of unexpected twists. The inciting incident drew me in and set the tone for the rest of the story. It was a great way to immediately get deep into the psyche of both Ian and Meadow – a kind of baptism by fire into their personalities and motivations.

They have a professional history which was cut off when Ian went into the wit-sec programme and I really enjoyed watching their relationship warily take shape amidst all the chaos and danger. I especially appreciated the unique connection they have. I don’t want to say more for fear of spoilers – let’s just say there’s some nice role reversal on stereotypical suspense plot lines.

I really enjoyed Shannon Hemmings audio narration. She brought these characters alive and her performance added to the sense of danger and emotion evident in the story.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

Unforgotten + Giveaway

Even though Bethanne Hostetler has found some peace eight years after an attempted assault and the accidental death of Peter Miller, she is still haunted by the memory. When her Englisher cousin, Candace–who has just been crowned Miss Crittenden County–reveals that she has a stalker, all of Bethanne’s old fears come rushing back.

Jay Raber had once been Peter’s best friend, and the fact that he did not protect Bethanne that fateful night has haunted him ever since. To make matters worse, she continues to avoid him–even as he continues to love her. Jay can only hope and pray that one day Bethanne will see the person he is today and not the boy he used to be.

As Candace’s stalker becomes bolder, Officer Ryan Mulany becomes her escort to various events. He knows he should only think of Candace as a job, but the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to maintain professional distance. And when everyone’s worst fears are realized, all four must work together to prevent another tragedy before time runs out and another innocent person is hurt. From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray comes this emotionally taut story of learning to forgive, trust, and love despite the pain of the past.

My Review:

This classic Shelley Shepard Gray novel delivered on all my expectations. She has a distinctive storytelling style that I find so easy to lose myself in. Opening one of her books feels so welcoming and familiar. I think it’s the way she builds a community and fills it with solid secondary characters who play important roles in the over all story.

Love the way the author weaves two romances around a common theme while delivering a compelling suspense full of stalkerish vibes. Candace and Bethanne are cousins – one English, one Amish – both women facing challenging situations.

For Bethanne, the struggle to come back from an assault years ago has been a long, emotional battle. For Candace, her recent popularity after being crowned Miss Crittenden County has emboldened a stalker to take action. Their stories overlap especially as the suspense amps up. Brilliant pacing kept me on edge as I switched back and forth between Candace and Bethanne’s POVs, along with their dedicated heroes.

Sweet romance with emotional depth, a gentle but significant faith message and the thrill of suspense kept me engaged (literally read in one sitting) from start to end.

Of note: This is the second book in a series though I can’t find a series title. But the first book is ‘Unforgiven’ and there are some common characters shared in both ‘Unforgiven’ and ‘Unforgotten’. I also have a feeling that the first book might have introduced some of Bethanne’s back story. Having said that, I haven’t read ‘Unforgiven’ and had no issues picking up this book. I’ll definitely be backtracking and also keeping an eye out for the third book, ‘Unshaken’ after reading the brief sneak peek at the end of this one.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a print or ebook copy. Winner’s choice.

US – available in print or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada – available in print or ebook or audible (if available) — winner’s choice

International – ebook copy if you have a US Kindle account.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Unforgotten, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 12 2025.

Emma, Mr. Knightley and Chili-Slaw Dogs + Giveaway

Random Retro ReRead

From the bestselling author of Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits comes a new and comical contemporary take on the perennial Jane Austen classic, Emma.

Caroline Ashley is a journalist on the rise at The Washington Post until the sudden death of her father brings her back to Thorny Hollow to care for her mentally fragile mother and their aging antebellum home. The only respite from the eternal rotation of bridge club meetings and garden parties is her longtime friend, Brooks Elliott. A professor of journalism, Brooks is the voice of sanity and reason in the land of pink lemonade and triple layer coconut cakes. But when she meets a fascinating, charismatic young man on the cusp of a brand new industry, she ignores Brook’s misgivings and throws herself into the project.

Brooks struggles to reconcile his parents’ very bitter marriage with his father’s devastating grief at the recent loss of his wife. Caroline is the only bright spot in the emotional wreckage of his family life. She’s a friend and he’s perfectly happy to keep her safely in that category. Marriage isn’t for men like Brooks and they both know it…until a handsome newcomer wins her heart. Brooks discovers Caroline is much more than a friend, and always has been, but is it too late to win her back?

Featuring a colorful cast of southern belles, Civil War re-enactors, and good Christian women with spunk to spare, Emma, Mr. Knightley, and Chili-Slaw Dogs brings the modern American South to light in a way only a contemporary Jane Austen could have imagined.

My Review:

published in 2013

I’m really enjoying Hathaway’s twist on Austen novels. So clever and fun. A light-hearted read with a punch of grit.

Love the dynamics between Brooks and Caroline. So comfortable with each other, anchored by years of friendship. Their rapid-fire dialogue is a treat to read, whether they are teasing or fighting. or in deep conversation about important issues. These two know each other and care deeply. Totally understandable that neither wants to risk their friendship with romance. But once that crackle of attraction makes an appearance a new kind of tension enters their exchanges and that brings a thrilling edge to every scene. Of course I knew they would get to together by the end, but Hathaway kept me on tenterhooks trying to figure out how.

Secondary characters and subplots give added depth and a good dose of intrigue, to the story. Hathaway has created a unique approach to familiar stories in her ‘Jane Austen Takes the South‘ series and this second book (which can be read as a standalone) is a wonderful addition to the collection.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback copy and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Emma, Mr. Knightley and Chili-Slaw Dogs, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday April 12 2025.